ODOT Supports Governor`s Call for Toxic Injury Awareness and Education

Oregon Department of Transportation

(SALEM) - Governor Ted Kulongoski has declared May 2006 to be Toxic Injury Awareness and Education Month. The Oregon Department of Transportation fully supports this awareness and education effort. Here are the details of how ODOT uses such materials responsibly and minimally.

Vegetation control: Limited application, public notification

ODOT seasonally applies herbicides and provides public notification of herbicide application schedules. ODOT uses an integrated vegetation management system to control vegetation along state highways in an environmentally and economically sound manner; the goal is to protect drivers and the environment. Controlling vegetation increases visibility, maintains drainage, decreases fire hazard and limits noxious weeds and invasive species, among other benefits. Integrated control methods include mechanical (such as mowing and brushing), cultural (reseeding and burning), biological (introducing natural predators) and chemical.

ODOT personnel are certified and licensed according to Oregon Department of Agriculture standards. Training in pesticide laws and safety is continuous. Topics presented at twice-yearly training sessions include proper herbicide use, alternative vegetation management and legal updates concerning herbicides and noxious weed control.

ODOT employs an environmental management system at all maintenance stations outlining how herbicides are to be handled, stored, applied and discarded. ODOT typically applies general use herbicides — that that anyone can purchase at most local garden centers.

Spraying notification: 1-888-996-8080

ODOT uses a toll-free number to provide up-to-date herbicide application information by highway milepoint. Tentative herbicide application schedules are available from ODOT district offices. Landowners may also request a no-spray permit for right-of-way adjacent to their property. The landowner agrees to maintain the right-of-way vegetation; in exchange, ODOT does not use herbicides at that specific location.

Winter driving: De-icing and sanding materials, but not salt ODOT winter maintenance practices include plowing, sanding and applying de-icing materials. The practices used at each site may vary depending on different climate, traffic and storm conditions. ODOT's goal is to provide a safe roadway. ODOT is a member of the Pacific Northwest Snowfighters, a consortium of road authorities from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia dedicated to developing and maintaining stringent specifications for snow and ice control materials and promoting their proper use.

ODOT uses two de-icing materials: magnesium chloride, which contains a corrosion inhibitor to reduce impacts to vehicles; and calcium magnesium acetate, which is acetic acid (strong vinegar) mixed with lime and is less corrosive than tap water. In most instances, ODOT applies these materials at an average rate of 30 gallons per lane mile — about one ounce per square yard. ODOT uses the least amount of de-icer necessary to maintain the road, applying it mainly on hills, curves, structures and known trouble spots. ODOT uses these materials to melt snow and ice on the road surface; to help prevent snow and ice from sticking to the road surface; and to help sand stick to icy roads.

ODOT attempts to limit the amount of sanding material used on state highways, especially in urban areas. Sand requires repeated applications because it`s easily blown off the road by traffic. In some areas, sand must be swept up and hauled away for disposal. Even though ODOT has strict standards limiting the size of sanding particles, sand can chip windshields, headlights and paint. And sanding material can affect environmentally sensitive resources and both air and water quality.

ODOT does not use rock salt due to environmental concerns: salt is corrosive to vehicles and reinforcing steel in concrete roadways, bridges and ramps.